If you’re looking for the best best DIY solar generator, this is your definitive guide! See our list of the 5 best and click through to find out more.
Solar generators take sunlight and convert that energy into electrical energy which can be used to power homes, appliances, or power devices such as phones and laptops.
The downside of using solar is if the climate is cloudy, rainy, or doesn’t receive many daylight hours as the generator won’t be able to charge properly and therefore be rendered useless. However, when there is enough sunlight to charge the solar generator, it is an incredibly effective and energy-efficient method to use.
While many solar generators are on the market, they can be expensive in comparison to making your own. It is rather easy to do it yourself (DIY) by, for example, simply hooking up the solar panel to the generator.
This article covers the best DIY solar generators by showcasing, reviewing, and comparing the best solar panels on the market which can be used as a DIY solar generator.
Most of these products are IP65 or IPX4 certified which means they are not only water-resistant but can withstand water splashing from any angle/direction making them great for the outdoors.
COMPARISON CHART
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ITEHIL Solar Panel
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Jackery SolarSaga 60W Solar Panel
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WEIZE 200 Watt 12 Volt Solar Panel
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DOKIO 160 Watt 18 Volts Portable Solar Panel
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ALLPOWERS Portable Solar Panel 100W
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Specification
| Peak Power: | 100 watts |
| Power Voltage: | 18 volts |
| Power Current: | N/A |
| Open Circuit Voltage: | N/A |
| Short Circuit Current: | N/A |
| Operating Temperature Range: | 4º-140º F |
| USB – A Output: | No |
| USB – C Output: | No |
| Cell Efficiency: | 21.5% |
When it comes to the best DIY solar generators, the ITEHIL solar panel is a fantastic option to go with due to its physical design, high durability, and charging ability options.
WHAT WE LIKE
This panel is great because it not only folds but has a kickstand which makes it easy to go and prop up anywhere. Built with Grade A monocrystalline silicon, these durable panels are rated IPX4 in water resistance and have waterproof fabric and zippers to keep the panels and components extra safe in wet weather. With many charging ports, it’s easy to charge most devices, as well
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
Unfortunately, like with other panels on the list, the 100 watts that are promised and advertised don’t always happen. Instead, the panels put out 75 watts so while effective and energy-saving nonetheless, they are still not giving out the power advertised.
PROS
- Foldable with a kickstand
- Water-resistant
- Can charge a variety of items
CONS
- Does not give off the 100-watt power as advertised (rarely)
Specification
| Peak Power: | 68 watts |
| Power Voltage: | 22-volts |
| Power Current: | 60 watts |
| Open Circuit Voltage: | 26.4 volts |
| Short Circuit Current: | 3.36 A |
| Operating Temperature Range: | -10° – 65°C |
| USB – A Output: | Yes |
| USB – C Output: | Yes |
| Cell Efficiency: | 23% |
It’s never fun to run out of power and the downside of solar power is that it takes time and, of course, sun to charge. Luckily, this quick-charging solar panel is portable, has multiple certifications and protections, and is incredibly durable.
WHAT WE LIKE
If there is 5.5 hours of sun, this Jackery solar panel charges up to 80% full which is quicker than most of the competition. Also unlike the competition, this solar panel has a kickstand which makes it easy to take places and charge using USB-A or USB-C ports. The SolarSaga is FCC and ROHS certified and has protection for short-currents, surges, and over-powering.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
While these solar panels are great in many ways unlike the competition, the downfall is that they don’t store power- they only convert it. This means that in order to charge a device, the panels need to be set up in the sun and if the weather changes, the power conversion and charging stop.
PROS
- Portable and foldable
- Fast charging
- Has a kickstand
- Has USB-A and USB-C ports
- Certified and protected
- Water-resistant
CONS
- Does not store power
Specification
| Peak Power: | 100 watts |
| Power Voltage: | 12-volts |
| Power Current: | 200 watts |
| Open Circuit Voltage: | 22.64 volts |
| Short Circuit Current: | 5.7 A |
| Operating Temperature Range: | N/A |
| USB – A Output: | No |
| USB – C Output: | No |
| Cell Efficiency: | 21% |
For a product in which the company responds to inquiries/complaints, the product is installation-ready, durable, and versatile, this is a great choice to help build the best DIY solar generator you have had yet.
WHAT WE LIKE
These panels arrive at the doorstep ready to be installed and are equipped with all of the necessary accessories to mount the panels. They are also highly efficient and essentially maintenance-free. Being durable and versatile is obvious with the anodized aluminum frames, tempered glass, and sealed junction box making the solar panel corrosion-resistant and weatherproof which makes it great for outdoor use.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
The packaging is not done as well as one might hope and therefore there are sometimes shipping damages to the product. However, that’s not often. The controller display can be defective occasionally in which while the panels and wiring seem to be of good quality, the reading the machine gives out is inaccurate which can be incredibly dangerous.
PROS
- Company is responsive
- Installation-ready
- Durable and versatile
CONS
- Controller display can be defective
- Shipping damages
- Not IP65 waterproof
Specification
| Peak Power: | N/A |
| Power Voltage: | 18-volts |
| Power Current: | 160 watts |
| Open Circuit Voltage: | N/A |
| Short Circuit Current: | N/A |
| Operating Temperature Range: | N/A |
| USB – A Output: | No |
| USB – C Output: | No |
| Cell Efficiency: | 23% |
For a solar panel with a myriad of safety certifications and protections as well as its blanket diversity with the ability to fit most batteries, this is a great choice to make for a DIY solar generator.
WHAT WE LIKE
This solar panel has CE certification and ISO certification which means it can be sold in the European Union and has approval from the International Organization for Standardization. It also offers high protection against overcurrent, overcharging, overload, and short-circuiting. It’s built for most types of 12-volt batteries and most types of built-in controller power stations that are on the market.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
Although the foldable design is great for storage and easy travel, there is no kickstand or product that comes with the solar panels to keep it propped up. Sometimes the watts and power put out varies (which could depend on the sun and weather to be fair). For example, instead of giving out the full 160 watts, it only puts out 90 watts instead. Although the company claims the panels are waterproof, they are not classified as IP65.
PROS
- Many certifications
- Safety protection
- Fits most 12-volt and built-in controller power stations on the market
- Foldable
CONS
- No stand to set up
- Watts vary
Specification
| Peak Power: | N/A |
| Power Voltage: | 18-volts |
| Power Current: | 100 watts |
| Open Circuit Voltage: | N/A |
| Short Circuit Current: | N/A |
| Operating Temperature Range: | N/A |
| USB – A Output: | No |
| USB – C Output: | No |
| Cell Efficiency: | 23.5% |
For a solar power generator that charges electronics, is portable and lightweight at 4.73 pounds, and is durable which makes it not only a great DIY solar generator, but a great solar power supply to take camping or have outdoors.
WHAT WE LIKE
This solar generator has three ports: two USB ports for charging devices such as smartphones and one DC output which can be used for a portable generator, 12-volt car battery, or a laptop. It is IP65 water-resistant which means it can withstand light water from any side and is also high temperature resistant.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
While the product itself is great, there is a miscommunication with some orders and the manufacturer. For example, if a 100-watt product is ordered, sometimes a 70-watt product shows up with a tag for being 100-watts. However, the manufacturer will exchange for the correct product if notified.
PROS
- Three ports
- IP65 water-resistant
- High-temperature resistant
CONS
- Item-tag incongruence
Final Verdict
In the end, the final recommendation for the best DIY solar generator is the ITEHIL Solar Panel. This is because of the panel’s design, durability, and charging variety. This panel is designed, like many others, to fold up and be easily portable.
However, unlike some other panels on the market and in this list, this panel has a kickstand that comes with it which makes it even easier and more portable to take anywhere and everywhere.
The panel also is incredibly durable with a working temperature between -4℉ to +140℉ so it can be in cold or heated climates as long as there is sun. It is also built with Grade A monocrystalline silicon and is rated as IPX4 water-resistant which means it can withstand (light) water from all sides. Along with its waterproof zipper and fabric, it is a perfect product for camping and outside solar power generation. When it comes to charging, the USB 3.0 output, USB 2.0 output, 18V DC port, DC 5521 to DC 5521.
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